FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susan C. Kamp
(888) 475-KIDS or (802) 860-7292

June 14, 2001

SOUTH BURLINGTON – Unlimited Fathering Opportunities of Bennington County is this year's winner of the S. Whitney Landon Memorial Award for exemplary service to children 12 and under in Vermont. The unrestricted $25,000 gift will be presented by the Turrell Fund at a noon luncheon at the Burlington Country Club in Burlington, Friday, June 22.

The keynote speaker at this year's luncheon will be former Governor Madeleine Kunin.

"The trustees of the Turrell Fund are happy to honor Unlimited Fathering Opportunities with this year's S. Whitney Landon Memorial Award," said E. Belvin Williams, the Turrell Fund Executive Director. "This innovative program provides the opportunity to build the important relationship between fathers and their children.”

Unlimited Fathering Opportunities started in 1996 with a group of seven fathers and their children because there is was a need for stronger encouragement for fathers in our society. This year, five sites in Bennington County served 80 men and their children. The program is part of United Children’s Services, a Bennington County organization that provides services to children, adults and families.

Friends of Families in Hinesburg and the Clarendon Parent Cooperative Preschool were finalists for the award. Each organization will receive $2,500 at the luncheon.

Nominees for the award are chosen from prevention programs that have been supported by the Vermont Children's Trust Fund. The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation and the Children and Family Council for Prevention Programs assist the Turrell Fund in the selection process and award luncheon.